Mpumalanga sprinter Collen Mahlalela has brought pride to the province and the nation after claiming a bronze medal in the men’s 400m T47 final at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.
Mahlalela delivered the performance of his career on Day 6 of competition at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, clocking a personal best of 48.04 seconds in a fiercely contested race. Morocco’s Aymane El Haddaoui took gold in 47.14 seconds, with Brazil’s Thomaz De Moraes securing silver in 47.90 seconds, leaving Mahlalela to claim a well-deserved podium finish.
His medal was South Africa’s second at the Championships, following Sheryl James’ bronze in the women’s 400m T37 earlier in the week. Team South Africa celebrated Mahlalela’s achievement as proof of the country’s growing strength in para athletics.
Mahlalela also competed in the 100m T47, where he finished third in his heat in 11.18 seconds before placing eighth in the final with 11.21. In the 400m heats, he clocked a season’s best of 48.76 before bettering it in the final.
Mpumalanga MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ms Leah Mabuza, congratulated Mahlalela on his outstanding performance.
“Collen has made our province and country proud. His determination, hard work and resilience are an inspiration to all South Africans, especially the youth and aspiring para-athletes,” she said.
She added that his success was proof that with commitment and perseverance, athletes from the province could shine on the world stage.
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